Women’s Tour Down Under 2026: Dual Corkscrew Finale + Men’s Willunga Hill
Women’s Tour Down Under 2026: A Thrilling New Route Promises Spectacle and Fierce Competition
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The 2026 Santos Tour Down under is set to deliver an electrifying spectacle for cycling fans, with a revamped route designed to challenge riders and captivate audiences. Assistant Race Director Carlee Taylor has highlighted key stages that promise to be pivotal in shaping the overall standings, with new starts and challenging climbs promising “fireworks” and exciting racing.
A New Era for the Women’s Tour Down Under
This year marks a meaningful milestone for the Women’s Tour down Under,with the introduction of new starting points and challenging terrain that are expected to elevate the drama. “Health Partners Stage 2 is our first ever start in Magill followed by an uphill finish in Paracombe which is sure to create some fireworks and suit the all-rounders,” Taylor explained. This stage,running from Magill to Paracombe over 130.7km on Sunday, January 18, is poised to be a crucial test for the peloton.The excitement continues with “Hyundai Stage 3 which starts in norwood for the first time and includes two climbs up Corkscrew Road, the second ascent coming 5km before the finish in campbelltown so we expect that to be very popular among spectators and the riders.” This demanding 126.5km stage on Monday, January 19, is anticipated to be a decisive day, with the brutal Corkscrew Road climb likely to split the field and create thrilling racing action.
Last year’s edition saw Noemi Rüegg of EF Education-Oatly take the leader’s jersey on stage 2 with a commanding victory atop Willunga Hill. The men’s event was ultimately won by Jhonatan Narváez of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, who also seized the overall lead on the penultimate day with a strong performance on the iconic Willunga climb.
2026 Stage Details: A Glimpse into the Action
The 2026 Santos Tour Down Under route has been meticulously crafted to offer a diverse range of challenges, from punchy climbs to testing road stages, ensuring a dynamic and unpredictable race.
Women’s WorldTour Race Stages:
Stage 1: Willunga to Willunga (137.4km) – Saturday, January 17
Stage 2: Magill to Paracombe (130.7km) – Sunday, January 18
Stage 3: Norwood to Campbelltown (126.5km) – Monday, january 19
men’s WorldTour Race Stages:
prologue: Adelaide (3.6km) – Tuesday, January 20
Stage 1: Tanunda to Tanunda (120.6km) – Wednesday, January 21
Stage 2: Norwood to uraidla (148.1km) – Thursday, January 22
Stage 3: Henley Beach to Nairne (140.8km) – Friday, January 23
stage 4: Brighton to Willunga hill (176km) – Saturday, January 24
* Stage 5: Stirling to Stirling (169.8km) - Sunday, January 25
The inclusion of new elements and the return of classic, challenging routes like Willunga Hill ensure that the 2026 Santos Tour Down Under is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for both riders and fans alike. Get ready for a week of incredible cycling action in South Australia!